Moncton-Dieppe one step closer to hosting 2021 Francophonie games

The committee in charge of theGames of La Francophoniehas recommended Moncton andDieppe host the 2021 edition.

• Moncton-Dieppe bid to host 2021 Francophonie Games
• Moncton beats out Sherbrooke, Que. in bid to host 2021 Francophone Games

Moncton and Dieppe's bid was submitted officially on Tuesdayin Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, and they won the recommendation, beating out Sherbrooke, Que.,andGuadeloupe, France, according to a statement from the province.

Eric Mathieu Doucet, a member of the bidcommittee, whooped for joy when he was told Moncton-Dieppe had received the official nod.

"It's really important for the province and for the Acadian people to be a part of the Francophonie at the worldwide level, to get to share our experience here in New Brunswick with all of big francophone family. it's really an honour," Doucet said.

The permanent council of La Francophoniewill consider the advisory committee's recommendation on April 7 in Paris.

The New Brunswick government hasestimatedit will cost $15million to host the games andwants to split thatbill between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

The government alsoestimates some of the cost of hosting willbe covered by ticket sales, sponsorship and private partnerships.